Joaquin Phoenix may be the next Joker

Joaquin Phoenix will be wearing a much bigger grin once he takes up this role that requires him to cite, "Why so serious?".

9 Feb – Can you imagine Joaquin Phoenix donned in garish makeup and cackling away like mad? If yes, then he is perfect for the role of Joker.

Director Todd Phillips definitely thinks so, as he has revealed that the 43-year-old actor is his top choice to star as Batman's arch-nemesis in his untitled Joker origin movie, Variety reports.

Phoenix has also reportedly agreed to play the role.

Warner Bros. has yet to confirm the news, though insiders are saying that Jared Leto, who made his debut as the Joker in 2016's "Suicide Squad", will still continue with his own Joker role in the DC universe, his character unaffected by the standalone Joker role that Phoenix is taking up.

Previously, it was reported that Leonardo DiCaprio was approached for the starring role in the movie that Phillips will be writing and directing.

Inside sources also said that the origin movie will be set in the '80s and has more of a "gritty crime drama" feel than a typical comic book movie.

Looks like Phoenix is ready to step into the superhero – or supervillain, to be exact – universe. Before this, he passed on the chance to play Lex Luthor in "Batman v Superman" and a role in "Marvel's Doctor Strange".

Phoenix will be seen in several movies this year, including "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot", "The Sisters Brothers" and "Mary Magdalene".